Good Ole Fashion Mac & Cheese: A Comfort Classic You Can't Resist!

Photo byangie bright

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade dish, and at the heart of many kitchens lies the beloved Good Ole Fashion Mac & Cheese. It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations, bringing warmth to family dinners, potlucks, and even holiday gatherings. What makes mac and cheese so special is its simplicity and versatility—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly rich. It's the kind of food that feels like a hug in a bowl.

This classic recipe embodies the essence of a traditional mac and cheese that never goes out of style. With a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it delivers the perfect blend of sharpness and gooey texture. The evaporated milk adds richness, while the eggs bind everything together, creating a luscious, custard-like consistency when baked. Topped with paprika, this dish is not just flavorful but also a visual delight as it bakes to a golden perfection.

Perfect for family dinners or bringing a little extra comfort to a weekday meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a mac and cheese novice or a seasoned cook, this Good Ole Fashion Mac & Cheese is easy to whip up and even easier to devour.

Recipe: Good Ole Fashion Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 4 Tbsp salted butter
• 2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup milk of choice
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 tsp garlic salt
• 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp paprika

Directions:

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the elbow macaroni and cook it until it’s al dente—firm but tender. Once cooked, drain the water and return the macaroni to the pot.
2. Add the salted butter to the hot macaroni, stirring it in until completely melted. Set aside the pot while preparing the next steps.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, regular milk, eggs, and garlic salt until smooth and fully combined. This will form the creamy base that holds the mac and cheese together.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The combination of these two cheeses creates a perfect balance of sharpness and melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
6. Layer the macaroni and cheese in the dish, starting with a third of the macaroni followed by a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers twice more, ensuring each layer is even and well-distributed.
7. Pour the milk mixture over the layered macaroni and cheese, allowing it to seep through and coat the pasta evenly.
8. Sprinkle paprika over the top to give the dish a warm color and a hint of smoky flavor.
9. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Serve hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness that is Good Ole Fashion Mac & Cheese!

The Finishing Touch

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to the nostalgia of mac and cheese. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a side dish, its creamy, cheesy layers will win over everyone at the table. With its crisp, bubbly top and perfectly balanced flavors, this dish is a timeless favorite that's sure to make any meal feel extra special. Bring this Good Ole Fashion Mac & Cheese to your next family gathering or enjoy it on a cozy night in—you can’t go wrong with this classic recipe.

Here are a few solid sources for mac and cheese variations and techniques:

1. Serious Eats offers a variety of mac and cheese recipes, including classic baked versions and creative takes like stovetop mac with 'nduja, vegan mac, or buffalo chicken mac and cheese. They delve into details about cheese melting techniques and layering textures​(Serious Eats)​(Serious Eats).
2. For an extra creamy, rich baked version, they also suggest using sodium citrate for a smoother, gooier cheese sauce​(Serious Eats).
3. You can also explore variations like bacon-jalapeño or green chili chicken mac and cheese for a flavor twist, showcasing the versatility of this comfort food​(Serious Eats).

These sources offer tips on both traditional and modern techniques for making mac and cheese as rich and flavorful as possible.